Across Africa, millions of households are not metered. They pay flat rates — often based on estimates that bear no relation to actual consumption. In Johannesburg, 99,000 “deemed customers” in Soweto, Alexandra, and Orange Farm are billed a flat rate for 10 to 20 kiloliters, but investigations show actual consumption ranges from 50 to 60 kiloliters. The utility is losing millions. The customers are being undercharged — or overcharged — with no accuracy.
Water utilities across the continent face the same challenge: extending metered service to previously unmetered areas without massive capital investment in new infrastructure.
The STS Prepaid Water Meter from TY Metering provides a low-cost, scalable solution.
First, no new infrastructure is required. STS prepaid meters are installed on existing pipe networks. The same pipe that delivers water to an unmetered property can accommodate a prepaid meter. No trenching. No new mains. Just install the meter and start billing.
Second, self-funded adoption. Traditional meter rollouts require upfront capital. With prepaid meters, customers pay for water credits before consumption. The utility receives revenue immediately, funding further meter deployments. The system pays for itself.
Third, accurate billing from day one. Flat rates are eliminated. Customers pay for exactly what they use. Low-income households can top up small amounts frequently — as little as the equivalent of US$3 per month per person in Zimbabwe. No bill shock. No disputes.
Fourth, compatibility with mobile money. Most African countries have widespread mobile money adoption. STS tokens can be purchased via mobile phone, eliminating the need for physical payment offices. In Rwanda, prepaid public tap users buy credit via Mobile Money and check balances on their phones. In Uganda, NWSC is deploying 1,440 prepaid meters in Kampala’s informal settlements to replace expensive private water vendors who charge up to 20 times the official tariff.
In Zimbabwe, residents in Karoi, Gokwe, and Guruve have embraced prepaid meters. One user reports: “I am now paying just US$5 per month. The best part for me is that my water doesn’t disappear if I don’t use it”.
Why choose TY Metering? We are the manufacturer. Our STS Prepaid Water Meter is designed for rapid deployment in previously unmetered areas. The keypad interface is intuitive for users with no prior metering experience. We provide training materials for customer education. Integration support for mobile money platforms is included. Bulk orders with firm delivery dates and full certification documentation.
Meter every customer, even in previously unmetered areas. Contact TY Metering for STS prepaid water meter deployment for your service area.
📩 Contact us to learn how the STS Prepaid Water Meter can transform your water network.
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